Category: Kenya

The FESTAC mask, also known as the Queen Idia mask, is a replica of a 16th-century Benin ivory pendant mask that served as the official emblem for the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77), held in Lagos, Nigeria. The original mask, depicting Queen Idia, the mother of a Benin Oba, was looted by the British during the 1897 Benin Expedition. A bronze replica of the mask, crafted by Nigerian sculptor Erhabor Emokpae, was used as the festival’s emblem.